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Tuesday, 10 March 2020

The Sussexes Host Inspiring Commonwealth Leaders at Buckingham Palace

A surprise from the Sussexes tonight as the couple shared images, footage and information from a fascinating event they held earlier this week at Buckingham Palace with young leaders in their roles as President and Vice-President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. We know how passionate they both are about the Commonwealth - I imagine it was very important for them to not only retain those roles but enable the fledgling trust to grow and flourish.

They hosted young leaders from the QCT network, who each work with the Trust across its three pillars of champion, fund and connect. Topics of discussion included mental health, equal opportunities for all, and the importance of supporting youth leadership to help address global challenges and drive positive change around the world.

Harry and Meghan began by asking the group about QCT and its role in supporting them. QCT advisor Kenny Imafidon commented on how QCT feels different to other organisations because it is "seeing young leaders as equal partners of a movement".

The Queen's Commonwealth Trust shared excellent videos from the meeting.

More from the QCT:

'During the discussion, the Duke and Duchess remarked on the personal lived experience of the leaders in the room and their motivation to act, linking this to the impact this has on developing solutions, with the Duke commenting that it “makes all the difference.” The Duchess added, “Its saying, let’s not wait until there’s a problem and try and fix it, let’s try and stop the problem from happening to begin with.”

The Duke, who has long championed youth leadership through his role with QCT, commented on how the next generation are leading the way in driving change and the potential they represent: “You have a whole group of young people coming through – who just have a completely different mindset and focus on how to make things different – it’s an amazing opportunity.” Victor Ugo, founder of Mentally Aware Nigeria, commented in agreement: “It is very important to change the narrative...young people are very comfortable to take up spaces, as we are passionate about our issue and the topic.”

What I particularly enjoyed about this was the number of videos offering insight into the efforts of each young leader and their participation during the engagement. The first features Kiran Kaur and Amna Akhtar, co-founders (and best friends of thirteen years) of Birmingham-based female empowerment organisation Girldreamer which supports women of colour to live their best lives. Their "aim is to see a more representative world through tackling both social change and systems change by working with communities and companies to bridge the gaps that are causing a lack of representation and access to opportunity for women of colour". Kiran and Amna spoke about the challenges they faced growing up: "We can’t see those things in the world, so how about we create it so that the next generation don’t feel so isolated on this journey, and they don’t feel like they can’t be things because they can’t see themselves," said Kiran. Amna added: "I needed people around me to say to me you can do this, and this belief really made me feel like I could smash those barriers."

Izzy Obeng from Tottenham spoke about her journey creating Foundervine which supports women and young people from under-served communities getting into business and enterprise. "When you’re founding something for the first time it’s really tough, and the opportunity to share those struggles and learn how people do it globally, not just in your local context, is really powerful. In reality, anyone can be an entrepreneur." Since launching in 2018, Foundervine has helped over 2,000 diverse, future leaders create, test and sustain entrepreneurial ventures globally.

Victor Ugo spoke about why he started Mentally Aware Nigeria, the country's largest youth-run and youth-focused mental health organisation, and how important the role of a strong support network is for all of us. He told the Duke and Duchess: "I had very amazing friends and a support system that made it possible to me through a difficult part in my life. That was the inspiration behind setting up my organisation, Mentally Aware Nigeria, because I was looking to create that community I had for myself and replicate it for others." The organisation has more than 1,500 volunteers on the ground.

Emerging from an abusive relationship, Esther Marshall, founder of sTandTall and author of Sophie Says found support through One Young World which Meghan has been involved with for years. "When I was younger I thought I had found someone who loved me. Sometimes he did seem to love me. But at other times - after the drugs and the drinking, he became a different person. He would hurt me to the point that I was scared of him. What happened shook me and shattered my self-confidence to rock bottom."

She discussed how the "powerful" network of QCT has helped her combat loneliness as a founder and feel connected to a movement driving change. Gifting Harry and Meghan a copy of her children's book Sophie Says, which tackles gender equality in sports, she added: "It is all about creating equal opportunities for all. It doesn’t matter your race, your religion, your background, your gender. The messages in it say you can be whoever you are."

I think it's clear the couple intend to continue working in the Commonwealth in their capacity as President and Vice-President of the trust and I expect their visits to member nations will focus on building the organisation.

According to several reports, we'll be hearing announcements in the coming weeks on the couple's plans for the future. Young people and the Commonwealth will most certainly feature in their next chapter. A lovely engagement and so interesting to learn about the highlighted initiatives and inspiring people behind them.

The chic piece is described: "Preen by Thornton Bregazzi's midi dresses are often patterned with lush florals, but the soft 'Toffee' color of this 'Glenda' style really lets the sharp folds and fluid fabric shine. It's cut from lightweight plissé-georgette and cinches in at the waist to accentuate the cascading handkerchief hem." It retails for £925 at Net-A-Porter, FarFetch and Matches Fashion.

A closer look at the fabric.

More on the brand: "Preen By Thornton Bregazzi was founded in 1996 by Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, built on an aesthetic of darkly romantic and effortlessly modern, juxtaposing the masculine with feminine and mixing of hard and soft. Their debut collection at London Fashion Week for Spring Summer 2001 established the brand’s essence of punkish sensibilities with vintage elements and hand crafted details. The collection debuted to rave reviews with critics responding to the subverting of traditional motifs and British sense of tongue-in-cheek chic. The label has since become synonymous with deconstructed London cool and developed a cult status amongst fashion heavyweights. Over two decades, Preen has evolved from a small boutique in London’s Notting Hill to a globally loved brand stocked across 5 continents and an industry insider favourite."

56 comments:

HM the Queen has done a wonderful job in bringing young people throughout the Commonwealth countries! And she herself is a model of leadership since her twenties. Bravo to her! And bravo to the D&DoS to highlight so beautifully HM legacy! 👏👏👏👏👏

I am from the Commonwealth and African Commonwealth specifically. I often read comments like this and I pause and wonder if there is something I am missing. What has the Queen done "in bringing young people throughout the Commonwealth countries"?

I have worked in some capacity with organizations affiliated with the Commonwealth and can very safely say for a while they were very active in the area of education by giving scholarships and the Commonwealth Games plus CHOGM occasionally bring people together but I can't attribute that directly to the Queen but rather to the Secretariat.

The UK and by consequence the Commonwealth has very little relevance to the young people who are a majority and you have to be within a niche audience to make this connection.

So this line is constantly repeated to say the Queen has done a lot but what is it that she has done. Also bear in mind that for every scholarship issued to say an African thousands of dollars are pillared out of the continent through the Commonwealth Development Corporation now known as Actis.

Unknown, thank you. There are always two sides to every story and unfortunately most people believe what they hear when discovery comes to us through people that we admired. I find credit given to the Queen on a regular basis is far fetched.

Of course it is the officials and officers of these organisations who do the real work. There is absolutely no way the Queen could ever play a meaningful role in the hundreds of organisations she is involved with as patron. Her main work is her constitutional role as monarch and remember that she reads and signs many constitutional documents each week. Then there is her ceremonial role which is an important aspect as well. Otherwise her real interests are mainly country living, horses and dogs. However The Duke of Edinburgh did have some particular groups he got involved with such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. And for many years the Prince of Wales through his Duchy of Cornwall has taken valuable initiatives in particular aspects of life. Diana did encourage her two boys to be aware of some serious social problems. More recently they and their wives have become more active and informed themselves about various issues and what more can be done in those areas rather than just act as patrons unveiling plaques, attending receptions etc.

We need to remember that the Queen has wisdom based on having lived a certain number of years and exposure to many people of power. She is other than that a human like all of us. We should not confuse a title of queen as giving superhuman qualities.

OH yes!!! This. :) One of the organizations that the Duke and Duchess have been involved in, pushed, led and are continuing to evolve with. Thank you Charlotte for including the videos and explanations, I hope everyone takes the time to view them. This is part of their "work". And they do it beautifully, show casing and being patrons. I can't wait to see what else they bring forward.

The dress isn't my cup of tea, but it is right in Meghan's wheelhouse--neutral color, stylish, etc.It will be interesting to see how the Commonwealth Trust will fit in to their future plans. Harry looked very happy at this meeting. I love the picture with his feet in the air! It seems like Harry has been sad at some of his other engagements. I hope he is OK with all these changes. I am glad there will be a 12 month review. That was a very good plan.

Very interesting piece; thank you! And of course I love that dress. The color reminds me of, if my memory is right, the shorts Meghan wore before she left for the UK/ I love it and her lipstick and Harry in black! He looks so happy here!

People emphasize that the RF has a job, that they are a business. In free society, when your job makes you miserable, if you can afford to do so, you quit and get a new job. Doesn't mean your family should be hurt or angry. Harry must have the support of the Queen and probably also Charles. Meghan looks so free and happy! I was thinking about posters who reviewed her green ensemble -- it does remind me of Robin Hood, a superhero, and someone flying away. All good things!

Perhaps one thing, other than her spectacular hair :) , that I love about Meghan is that she came pre-formed -- she formed her wonderful life and is brilliant and should be allowed to fly.

Allison in US, thank you. You have hit the nail on the head with your statement that Meghan came to us and may I add the RF pre-formed-she had already formed her wonderful life. To think that she could be changed and suppressed was a major misconception on the part of all.

When you have a family 'business' so to speak and one member is not happy and wants to leave, it is not an uncommon response for the remaining family members to feel hurt or anger, but mostly maybe disappontment. And just as Harry is allowed to feel a certain way, so are the other members of the RF. It DOES NOT mean that they do not love him or wish him the best. I believe the Queen, Charles, and William, while disappointed, love Harry and want his happiness, but then NONE OF US are privy to conversations outside of the very public eye. Every dark cloud has a silver lining and whether or not this is the desired action, this may be exactly what Harry needs to find his place and his happiness.

Pre-formed or not, there is a need for flexibility on both sides. All trees, small or great, survive because of their ability to bend with the wind, or risk being destroyed. Would that people understand the same and learn to bend a little.

What a delightful surprise to have yet another visit from H&M so unexpectedly. I hope everyone takes the time to listen to each video. The stories and work behind the efforts of these young people is wonderful. Both Harry and Meghan seem so very much at ease and at home in their conversation and support of them. To say they have had a packed week of engagements this past week is a true understatement. The take away for me is the reminder of the enormous loss that will be felt by their departure. On the fashion note, Harry looks wonderful as always. I love that Meghan stays true to herself and goes to the more edgy in fashion design when choosing. She is always very current while not being trendy. I actually like the color as it is unexpected yet neutral which she normally favors. .

I'm thinking that we may see multiple packed-full fortnights in the UK like this. They said they would split their time between the US and UK, and they obviously can fit many engagements (and outfits!) into a few weeks.

Love that photo of Harry clapping, with his knees up and Meghan smiling next to him. It makes me happy to learn about this meeting and the spotlight on these hard working young leaders. They are all so inspirational. Wishing them all the best!Renee

It's wonderful to see Meghan and Harry looking so relaxed, happy, and so much themselves! Free of the mantle of "senior royal," they can fully engage as themselves, in the work they are passionate about. It seems clear they made the right decision. I support them in everything they do. They are clearly enjoying being free of the stress.

But isn't this one of the roles the Queen asked them to take on as part of the senior Royal Family? So how can they do it as private individuals? I agree that it is just the sort of activity that would be ideal for them and they obviously enjoy it. So they should keep doing it as representatives of the Queen. The whole family needs to sort out hurt feelings and get over any lingering resentment for the common good of the Commonwealth. A good start would be to stop washing dirty linen in public.

It's wonderful to see Meghan and Harry looking so relaxed, happy, and so much themselves! Free of the mantle of "senior royal," they can fully engage as themselves, in the work they are passionate about. It seems clear they made the right decision. I support them in everything they do. They are clearly enjoying being free of the stress.

This dress is beautiful, elegant and versatile. I will succumb and have fun. It's beautiful and wonderful to see Prince Harry letting go, hilarious and joyful like a kid. I understand his decision to escape. The work they do is great, they are so involved in their projects. This post comforts me for the rest of the Sussex plans and keeps me going. Good follow-up to this lovely couple.

I LOVE the work they do with the QCT. It does make so much sense since their efforts with the young leaders will multiply and create a big wave of change - exactly what we need in these days. On the fashion front: I do love the color and the asymmetrical idea only not with plissé please. And - a little less blush better blended would be to her advantage imho. But, hey, they are doing excellent things and look, how at ease Harry is.

Wow! As I watched each of these videos I was moved to tears. And anger. How can the trash talk about Meghan and wife-whipped Harry (from a lot of nasty white, parasite men who make their living off the royals and whose days of privilege should have ended long ago--and I say this as a pinkish-white woman) go on in the tabloid press in the face of this kind of support? Stories like these are the newsworthy stories the world needs to hear.

Harry & Meghan's response to the comment about "getting out of the box" was telling. I can't wait to see what the scope of that will be now that they are out of the royal box.

Philly, I am also pinkish-white and agree completely. Harry was not happy before he met Meghan. Yes, he smiled and laughed and drank and partied and was available, but he was not happy. The idea of him turning away from his wonderful new family to go back to royal life is ridiculous, and anyone who truly loves him should understand. No -- they should be overjoyed for him!

But surely their roles in the Commonwealth Trust were given to them by the Queen because they were part of the Royal Family and she was honouring them by trusting them to represent her in her position as Head of the Commonwealth. It is not something they gained because of their previous experience or merit, regardless of any good works they may have done. How can they represent her if they are stepping down and no longer wish to be part of the system?

I am convinced that the Duke and Duchess will return to their royal functions if the conspiracies of the British tabloids diminish.It is indisputable that the Queen does not accept the departure of the couple and especially that the Sussex are hyper popular and that many people begin to express their dissatisfaction following the treatment reserved for the Duchess. The fact of keeping them in their posts of President and Vice-President of the Commonwealth, shows that they are not completely gone: they have a foot outside and a foot in.

They are not President and Vice-President of the Commonwealth. There is no President of that Body. The Queen is the Head of the Commonwealth and the Prince of Wales will succeed her. Otherwise there is a Secretary-General chosen by Commonwealth Countries who works at Marlborough House in London. Harry and Meghan's roles were to be in the Commonwealth Trust which is, I understand one of the Constituent parts of the Commonwealth organisation in London. It may be difficult to play an active role there if they are to be mainly resident in Vancouver.

Thank you Anon 08:28!! There is complete lack of understanding regarding the structure of the RF and the Commonwealth. They do not have one foot in and one outside, they have an open door with which to return if that is the decision.

Stories in how each participant initiated and kept up a successful journey of their platforms/organization, is motivating and inspiring for any age, race, nationality, or life circumstance. These are the kinds of young people who by the virtues of their contribution, how and why they did it, makes you ask "what can I do". That is how I felt. It is good to see the D&D of Sussex in a relaxed yet important setting.

Prince Harry was recorded in a phone conversation by two Russian imposters pretending to be Climate change advocate Greta and her father. He was in Vancouver, Canada, at the time of the communication. This is the same two Russians who had duped other high profile people (celebrities). Some people as usual had criticized Harry for politically driven reasons. Over all if any dismay, how and why he trusted a phone conversation to give out this much is another matter. For me, I am happy to know how he thinks on various topics. The first time I came to really connect and appreciate Harry was at the London 2014 Invictus games. Along the way, I had liked and followed him more and more. This communication, hopefully if true, shows his opinion on various topics including the media and family matters. In a way it expresses the reason for their departure from senior royal status. Some of the reasons, “We cannot say what we want to say” and “for the safety of our son”.

He has known his whole life he cannot say what he wants to say. That’s the whole purpose of having a RF, having a neutral representative to whom everybody from the country can relate. Are you also happy to read that he criticizes his brother project (re giving prizes), that he jokes about arranging a marriage for George and that he thinks he’s a normal guy because he was in the army, where he was protected by some other soldiers by the way? Or maybe you liked that he said that they have no relationship with his family. So much for the family Meghan never had...

If that is true and that he has said all these things and the call happen when he was in canada why is this released only now ? After they completed their final engagement ? Why not wasn't it published before they started their engagement ? To my opinion if you really want to make a real bombshell out of it, spoil their farewell and make the family reunion even more icy you fo that a week earlier. I hope H&M will not reply to this ( Instagram or other plateform). If they start they will have to do it after for any similar article or worse.

“ That’s the whole purpose of having a RF, having a neutral representative to whom everybody from the country can relate.“ Nope. Everybody cannot relate. How can people? People don’t live in such trapped gilded surroundings. Nor are the RF all that neutral. The RF is taking a stand in climate change, but it’s Harry and Meg who got called out for traveling by planes.

Also when did Harry criticized William about arranging marriage for George, etc.? News from tabloids and opinions by trolls are meant to inflamed and agitate. It’s fascinating how many people seem to know how people they never met think or feel. Too bad these great mind readers couldn’t put such power to better use by predicting the covid 19 pandemic. Now there’s something to get your knickers in a twist.

You're right, I guess, about the purpose of an RF. Does that mean Harry forfeits his life? There are countries where royal family members are held against their will; I don't think we want that in the UK.

What I found in the audio communication was his reasoning and example of how island countries are affected by climate change. Another is his belief, that despite possible disagreements, it is better to have a conversation with leaders of USA, UK and others than not to have a conversation. His reasoning regarding such leaders and how they are set in certain ways because that is what they had known or been told. His suggestion that a shock wake up call to citizens on issues like climate may have results, since change which cannot wait, is another interesting theory. In a way, by implying “we are separated from my family”, relieves his family free from responsibility for his and his wife’s future actions. Over all I found a similar man in a private conversation as his public life more or less. It was one man, and not two faces. I became aware of his outlook when he said Boris is a good man while he also separated the PM’s potential missteps as a leader. Again the freedom “to say what he wants to say and do” is one of the reasons he volunteered to step down from the senior royal status, definition, expectation, rules, restriction e.t.c. The communication took place around January 22, at his vulnerable time - post decision by the senior royals, I listened to the entire dialogue early this morning EST (12 hrs ago).

Nothing implied his brother about giving a price. A person is born, may be follow a certain faith through the guidance of his/her family, some knowledge acquired, make a living, marry if one chooses to. A person has two choices along the way if one must choose; to be his/her own person and curve out the destiny by the virtue of being born alone and free, or accept, believe, live, practice of one’s own birth linage, politics, customs, philosophy e.t.c. Many people integrate both. This is in a way like people born and baptized to a certain religion, and as adults they decide to accept and follow religion closest to their own natural make up and understanding. Once he was determined fully free to practice his path in life, effective January 19? he expressed “ speak what he wants to say” as one of his reasons. Most likely the wise Monarch QEII who had lived through such system, and however disappointed with her grandson, and his father PW as well educated man who applies it to the world he lives in, understand Harry.

As far as the prankster as Greta, and the input by “her”, “we are distant relations”, may be arranged marriage and mentions of young George and V. James, PH knew how to let it pass by. Assuming he really believed it was Greta, 15 yrs old and no matter how matured, he just let it slide by. “You have to remember I was in the military…” that part is to say my life experience included a “normal” career among my fellow citizens.

To be honest, whatever the purpose of this audio, we live in a sophisticated tech world. PH’s voice type can be taken, some high tech applied and a script coordinated and communicated. I don’t believe audio interactions in its entirety. The big question is, how a high profile person like PH was directly contacted by a “Greta” who never spoke to him on the phone before. It makes the couple look very vulnerable out of the jurisdiction of the monarchy. PH is still in England; I hope he and Meghan will make some arrangement with one or two of their trust worthy aids, and leave a key network at BP. How was a call not screened by someone else? It is mind boggling!!! Still yet, the conversation could have been much more malicious, so leave at that for now.

You know,An onymous, I also gleaned those facts from the headlines and taglines. Fortunately, DM also provided excerpts from the phone transcript in the body of the article. I don't know if the DM was hedging its bets by displaying click-bait headlines, while fending off lawsuits by providing a more accurate version, although I suspect the forum is aware that many more people read the headlines than bother to read the whole article. I have rarely been an enthusiastic Sussex supporter; however, the facts and remarks as taken out of context in the headlines at times were the opposite of Harry's meaning and intent that seems clear to me. For example, he was clearly joshing with Greta about George marrying her. She also mentioned Edward's son as being a good "dynastic" marriage for her. I do think the hoax should have been clear at that point. That would be the primary fault in this, I believe. Also, this call was made on the landline of his Canadian home phone. It is possible that Harry believed only a limited few had this number and that he trusted the caller to be legitimate. He must have felt relaxed in more or less off duty mode.

Regarding the Commonwealth related meetings at BP: these were likely arranged and scheduled months ago, as most Palace events are , as well asany event requiring travel arrangements for a number of people. These were Commonwealth related events scheduled the week of the Commonwealth service. Unfortunately, I don't think we can assume her attendance was a sign that the Queen meant for her to continue after March 31 in her royal patronage roles where she would represent the Queen. Private charities she personally sought out but not those the Queen once held or to which the Queen directly appointed her as the royal representative. For example, the Commonwealth positions.That dividing line was clearly stated in the Palace announcements in January. I suspect that there will be no announcements of specific terminations at this time. As with the HRH, they simply will no longer attend those engagements after March 31st; at least until the Year's trial period is over.We shall see "in due course," as the royal announcements declare.

Both Meghan and Harry look so happy in the photos. Harry looks so relaxed. I wonder if anyone has thought of the possibility that Meghan suffered from post partum depression this past summer/fall. Such a publicized life and then the birth of baby while still learning all the rules of living the life of a royal would put allot of pressure on anyone. the time off has done them both WORLD OF GOOD.

At the rate she was busy with the Vogue project and Smart Works, she obviously kept busy. I think most likely she proved something to herself that she does indeed have "an editors eyes for detail" ( Vogue's leadership complement). Both came to fruition and presented to the public may be around September 2019? It was also most likely she had time to make a good note of the media and the unpleasant bottled up experience with critics during her pregnancy and post child birth found its voice officially on the fall 2019 Brady's documentary.

I can certainly understand that Meghan must have found it difficult to cope with the protocol around the Royal Family, but the Queen did bend some of the rules to accommodate her. Some families are not into hugs as much as others. I don't accept that Harry was terribly unhappy before he met her. He obviously missed his mother but he led a privileged life surrounded by a wider family and we have no reason to doubt that they had plenty of fun as children and teenagers with their cousins. They had to cope with intrusive news media on occasions, but had considerable privacy on the Royal estates. Photos and videos show them enjoying time together at polo matches and on the Royal Yacht before it was sold. Harry's interaction with the Cambridges before Meghan show mutual joking around and lots of time spent together too. I do think Harry was looking forward to meeting a help mate and establishing his own family and he must have been lonely sometimes in his cottage. Remember William's joke about Harry raiding their fridge? Of course that was likely to change once Harry married, but I think William and Kate were willing to expand the team to include Meghan. It was the Sussex duo who decided to make their own way and move away from Kensington Palace, so it is a bit rich to now imply they were not supported by William and Kate or that William was bullying them. Actiona speak louder than words as the saying goes.

Very much enjoyed the interactions between these young people and Harry and Meghan. Personally, I love Meghan's dress here. I don't think I've seen Meghan wear this caramel colour before. When I first saw the pictures, it struck me as a new out of the box colour on her. She looks lovely. Great to see Harry enjoying himself so much. I think that Harry and Meghan will strive to have as much involvement as possible with the Commonwealth going forward. Although nothing really replaces in-person meetings, in the communications world of the 21st century, there should be no problem with communications.

I can't get over how gorgeous Meghan is and how good looking of a couple Harry and Meghan make. But to the more important stuff: those are all great initiatives by this lovely people. The young girls working on representation for women of color so that young girls know they can achieve anything is something that hits really close to home for me and why the royal family's unwillingness to protect Meghan was so disappointing to me. As many other nonwhite girls, I was never into royalty and things like that but the fact that a self-made mixed race girl like me was entering such a historically racist institution filled me with so much hope for the future at the time. It was so beautiful and meaningful to see one of us as part of the establishment and to see little black girls in the UK and in commonwealth countries finally look up to a princess that looks like them. But I guess most royals and royal fans (reporters included) don't like to see change or progress because they would actually prefer for things to remain the same as they've always been (traditions are after all a big part of the history of royals) and for our divisions to stay very much in place. Still.. I believe the royal family have blown a huge opportunity.

Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)